Patriots outlast Jets in overtime

Patriots cheerleaders were dressed in Halloween costumes in the team's last home game before the holiday.
Charles Krupa/AP

Patriots outlast Jets in overtime

The Patriots breathed a sigh of relief when Rob Ninkovich (50) recovered a Mark Sanchez fumble that sealed a 29-26 win over the Jets in overtime.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

The win elevated Tom Brady and the Patriots (who blew a fourth-quarter lead for the second straight week) to 4-3, good for first place in the AFC East.

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
| October 22, 2012

The day began with fans streaming into the parking lots for tailgate celebrations on a beautiful autumn afternoon.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, was joined on the sidelines by his friend Donald Trump prior to the game.

Charles Krupa/AP
| October 22, 2012

Many fans were decked out in their red Patriots throwback jerseys, which the team also wore.

Elise Amendola/AP
| October 22, 2012

This fan came to the game dressed as a clown.

Stephan Savoia/AP
| October 22, 2012

The Patriots' mascot, Pat Patriot, also donned his red jersey before interacting with fans.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

Patriots cheerleaders were dressed in Halloween costumes in the team's last home game before the holiday.

Charles Krupa/AP
| October 22, 2012

Tim Tebow didn't see much action for the Jets, but nearly found his way into the end zone on this first-quarter run.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff
| October 22, 2012

Jets running back Shonn Greene scored the game's first touchdown on a 1-yard plunge in the first quarter.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images
| October 22, 2012

After the Jets opened the scoring on their opening drive, Devin McCourty responded with a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff
| October 22, 2012

McCourty's touchdown came on a 104-yard kickoff return, which was the second longest in team history.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

McCourty, right, celebrated with teammates after his runback evened the score at 7-7.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

The Patriots took a 14-7 lead in the second quarter when Rob Gronkowski hauled in this 17-yard pass from Brady.

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
| October 22, 2012

Patriots coach Bill Belichick instructed his defense on the sidelines during the first half.

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
| October 22, 2012

The Jets put 2 more points on the board for the Patriots in the second quarter when Mark Sanchez kicked this loose ball out of the back of the end zone, which triggered a safety and a 16-7 lead for New England.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

Vince Wilfork (left) and Chandler Jones celebrated after the safety, which came after a fumble on a play where Wilfork applied pressure to Sanchez.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard intercepted this pass at the 2 to end a promising Jets drive in the second quarter.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

The Patriots' Minutemen militia had plenty to celebrate during the first half, and then saw New England take a 16-10 lead into halftime.

Elise Amendola/AP
| October 22, 2012

The Patriots took a 23-13 lead into the fourth quarter when Gronkowski, right, scored another touchdown to give them the 10-point lead.

Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
| October 22, 2012

Gronkowski's score came after a close call on what was originally ruled an Aaron Hernandez fumble at the goal line. After review, officials gave the Patriots the ball at the 1 instead of awarding it to the Jets as a touchback.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

The Patriots experienced some trouble in the fourth quarter however, as the Jets erased the 10-point deficit and even took a 26-23 lead. Brandon Lloyd was unable to corral this pass.

Stephan Savoia/AP
| October 22, 2012

Stephen Gostkowski, who kicked an overtime-forcing field goal at the end of regulation, then kicked this 48-yard field goal in overtime.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

Gostkowski's kick proved to be the game winner, but because of new NFL overtime rules the Patriots had to first stop the Jets' offense.

Jim Rogash/Getty Images
| October 22, 2012

Ninkovich pounced on Sanchez's fumble at the Jets' 25 to seal the win.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| October 22, 2012

That set off a celebration among Jermaine Cunningham (96) and his Patriots teammates on the sidelines.

Stephan Savoia/AP
| October 22, 2012

Bill Belichick waved his support to the Foxborough fans before heading back into the locker room.